My Lenovo Thinkpad X220 has been falling apart for awhile, but I've resisted replacing it because shopping for laptops is annoying. But now it's definitely time for something new. I'm overwhelmed by the options, but maybe someone else who's done some laptop-shopping recently can help? I'm looking for something small and light (12-14", less than 4 lbs.), Linux-friendly, and (here's the hard part) with a trackpoint-style mouse. I use my laptop mostly for writing and general Internetting, but also for processing photos, so a decent processor and display is nice. Price isn't a huge issue. I could go with one of the newer Lenovos, and I might still, but I'm interested in other options, as well. I'm not interested in any of the Chromebooks. Any suggestions?
posted by rhiannonstone
on Apr 3, 2014 -
10 answers

The style of blouse that the woman is wearing in this stock photo looks very flattering on me. I have one blouse like that, but I'd like to buy more. What search terms can I use to find them, or what stores should I check out?
posted by mekily
on Mar 30, 2014 -
7 answers

I have never in my life bought a bed. I have never in my adult life owned a new mattress. I have always slept on hand-me-downs or give-aways. I am ready to invest in a new, top-quality mattress and box springs but I don't have the first idea of how or where to start. [more inside]
posted by Brittanie
on Mar 28, 2014 -
33 answers

Dear mefite fashionistas, please help someone who has been in the fashion wilderness for a while. For the last three years I've either been pregnant or having children. Now I'm starting to get my body back and will have to go shopping, what's the deal with jeans now? Just by looking around it seems that unfortunately skinny jeans are still in but are bootcut or anything else coming back? (Please say yes...) I remember a comment here a while back from someone who said that they were the new mum jeans, and whilst I am one, I don't necessarily want to look like that! Is this still the case? I'm also not wanting to look like a teenager either, for what it's worth. Aim for mid 30s. What should I be buying?
posted by Jubey
on Mar 18, 2014 -
51 answers

What deals can I get at Costco that make it worth the hike and membership when I already have walking distance access to Trader Joe's, Walmart, Jewel and independent local grocers? [more inside]
posted by srboisvert
on Mar 18, 2014 -
48 answers

I'm going to be up in Vancouver this weekend and want to shop for a new spring coat. Something trenchcoat style but not in black or beige - cool colors or prints/patterns would be better. Size 12 or M/L, between $100 and $200. The style constraints are that it should not be teenagery but not dowdy either - I like classic cuts but trendy colors and patterns. I already plan to check out The Bay.
posted by matildaben
on Mar 14, 2014 -
7 answers

I'm trying to recreate this rainbow mosaic cake (by Cakes of Our Lives in Melbourne), and need candies for the sides. The best US possibility I've found is these rainbow tropical gum tabs from Sweetworks/Oak Leaf, but they seem to be available online only in bulk quantities, for use in mall gumball machines and the like. I need suggestions for either (1) other ways to source those chiclets (for instance, anyone know a large brick-and-mortar candy emporium that might be able to do a one-off mail order?), or (2) alternative brightly-colored square/rectangular candies that I could use to create the same effect. [more inside]
posted by Bardolph
on Mar 14, 2014 -
26 answers

I don't know if it's my latex allergy or something else, but I've been better off down there since I switched to 100% cotton underwear on the advice of my doctor. Currently I'm wearing the Elance Bikini and French Cuts, but I have pretty wide hips and they look kind of granny-like on me. I'd like to find something allergy/sensitive skin-appropriate that's at least kind of sexy and that's under $15 a pair.
posted by melissam
on Feb 26, 2014 -
5 answers

Partner & I have decided to vote with our dollar by only purchasing quality long-lasting goods, or going without. We will pay more if the quality is clearly there. Rather than waste time driving from store to store, only to find junk, I'm looking for stores known for quality items. Difficulty Level: Sisyphean... [more inside]
posted by St. Peepsburg
on Feb 24, 2014 -
29 answers

Those of you who swear by thrift shopping: how do you do it? How much time do you spend, what's your strategy, what tips can you share? [more inside]
posted by Metroid Baby
on Feb 24, 2014 -
50 answers

I'll admit it, I buy a lot of clothes off the sale rack or at outlet stores. Too often, though, I bring home what I think is a great value only to discover, after wearing and/or washing said item, quality problems I didn't see in the store. Things like knits that are twisted and don't lie flat, shirt hems that are hopelessly contorted once they've been laundered, or buttonholes that quickly ravel beyond repair. I know these sorts of problems are inevitable given the state of clothing manufacture, but that doesn't mean I have to buy these "troubled" items. So, savvy shoppers of MeFi, what should I be looking for? What tells you to steer clear of a garment no matter how much you like it? Is there a secret code on the hang tag that everyone but me knows about? C'mon, please share your secrets.
posted by DrGail
on Feb 23, 2014 -
16 answers

We'll be in L.A. for 2-3 weekdays in mid-March, and while one of our evenings is scheduled, we have no idea what to do with the rest of our time. We'll be staying in or near Hollywood, and won't have a car, but don't mind taking transit. We're especially looking for suggestions for one really very nice, splurge-y place for dinner, as well as great inexpensive places to eat. Also interested in: coffee-snob coffee; fancy cocktails; craft beer; fun/interesting/unique places to shop; anything else that seems interesting. We also really like live shows (comedy/improv/podcast/music), but most of the L.A. shows we know about are on the weekend. And I'm planning to go to Jenette Bras for a fitting, but I'd love suggestions for any other bra shops that carry sizes in the G+ range.
posted by rhiannonstone
on Feb 22, 2014 -
17 answers

I am looking for the following things and have not been able to find them through the major vendors where I usually buy clothes (Nordstrom, Eddie Bauer, Loft, Banana Republic, and the like). I'd appreciate tips to vendors either major or indie in the US where I could find them. (1) Women's spring-weight trenchcoat in a patterned fabric (houndstooth, plaid, graphic print, floral), $75-$175, size 12/M/L. (2) Women's/unisex hoodie with an argyle pattern, decent build quality, size M/L.
posted by matildaben
on Feb 14, 2014 -
10 answers

I need some advice and/or tips for earning Delta Skymiles without the use of (or application for) a Delta credit card. Any mefites experienced in the fine art of earning miles? [more inside]
posted by still bill
on Feb 14, 2014 -
7 answers

The other Mr fffm is great. Works downtown at a financial firm, snappy dresser, etc. But he takes his lunch to work in a plastic bag from the supermarket and this gives me a sad. Help me find something stylish (but not hideously expensive please) to tote his lunch in. [more inside]
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering
on Feb 13, 2014 -
18 answers

MeFi, I want to flex my muscles! More specifically, I want a T-shirt that looks like a muscular male chest. Cartoon abs would be ideal but photorealistic abs will be okay too. I would like the shirt to be in color, have the printed abs be wide enough to cover my chest so it looks like I have a six pack rather than looking like a picture of abs, and be available in a men's/unisex small. Under $20 including shipping would be ideal too.
This is the closest I can find to what I need but is too large, too expensive and I'd honestly prefer cartoony abs. Halp?
posted by capricorn
on Feb 5, 2014 -
5 answers

I recently got engaged, and am so happy about this! But, I am not the type of girl who always dreamed about what my wedding would be like...basically, I'm more of a casual-type person who is not super into party planning (nor is the hubby-to-be). :) I feel like we need some help in figuring out how to make this wedding happen, but I don't want to get sucked into all the wedding industry stuff...we are not rich, and to the extent we will want to spend money on this, it is probably not on things like ridiculously expensive flower arrangements. So, two questions: [more inside]
posted by rainbowbrite
on Feb 4, 2014 -
32 answers

Bought a remnant of this fabric at Nancy's Sewing Basket in Seattle, and was told there was no chance of getting more or finding out any information about it (the bolt with the item and vendor numbers had been discarded.) I need more, and AskMefi has found stranger things. Pictures within. [more inside]
posted by doift
on Jan 31, 2014 -
1 answer

Needing to get a new portable, because the battery in my workhorse laptop is borked, I ordered a refurbished 13" MacBook Pro - which I am typing on at the moment. So far, it seems fine for what I need, but I was wondering whether the hive mind could think of a better solution. Generic snowflake detail inside. [more inside]
posted by running order squabble fest
on Jan 24, 2014 -
10 answers

My laptop died, and I think I want to get an iPad to replace it for casual stuff. Can you help me make a decision between the iPad Air and the Retina mini? Enumeration of what I want from it are inside. [more inside]
posted by rivenwanderer
on Jan 24, 2014 -
12 answers

What changes can I make in my personal life and everyday decisions that will make the largest positive social or environmental difference relative to the cost, effort or time involved? [more inside]
posted by purplevelvet
on Jan 24, 2014 -
21 answers

I have a lot of favorite British authors whose books I'd love to purchase used in the hardback, UK versions. I'd also like shipping costs to the US not to be too high. Do you have any suggestions of where to purchase used books in the UK online? I'd prefer to use an independent seller, if possible, and not Amazon. Thank you!
posted by lagreen
on Jan 22, 2014 -
11 answers

After a year of half-assed solo weight lifting. I've decided to take the green's advice and tie my fitness to a specific activity. I'm thinking of joining a rock climbing/crossfit gym in my area. I've never been a member of a gym before (except during college), and I don't really know what to look out for and pay attention to while checking it out during the free trial. [more inside]
posted by nickhb
on Jan 21, 2014 -
9 answers

I need a new perfect wallet! Or at least a compromise. I carried an Original All-Ett for years and really liked how slim it was, while still allowing me to carry every card I might possibly need in any situation. Then I got a SlimFold Micro, and appreciated that it made me pare down the number of cards I could carry, and I liked the much smaller footprint that allowed me to carry it in my front pocket. But the Tyvek got really unattractively dirty and creased within a week (especially around the outline of the cards, because there's a lot of extra material that extends past the profile of the stack of cards and gets folded), and more than once I've found myself in a bind because I didn't have a particular card on me. So I need yet another new wallet, but I'm not sure I can go back to the huge footprint of the All-Ett. Any suggestions for a compromise wallet that's not quite so large but still lets me carry ~12 cards, without falling apart?
posted by rhiannonstone
on Jan 16, 2014 -
18 answers

It's embarrassing to admit to being a 33 year old woman who can't dress herself, but my frustration is outgrowing my embarrassment. I have pretty much nothing in my closet that I like to wear, and that I feel I look good in. I wear nearly the same thing every day: jeans, sneakers/tennis shoes, t-shirt or slightly fancier t-shirt, and one of several ratty hooded sweatshirts, each of which has a hole in the left elbow. I dress like slob. I do not feel this look suits me, and I want to change it, but don't know how. [more inside]
posted by polywomp
on Jan 15, 2014 -
68 answers

I dearly loved my mustard-yellow Lands' End merino wool cardigan. In fact, I loved it to the point that it has started to fall apart. I am struggling to find a replacement. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by pants
on Jan 11, 2014 -
7 answers

We're headed to San Francisco next week just for a couple of days. We'll have a little additional time there, and we would like to do some shopping, see Chinatown and maybe Alcatraz. Any suggestions on shopping, and how to see Chinatown? [more inside]
posted by needlegrrl
on Jan 8, 2014 -
18 answers

I got a ModCloth gift certificate for Christmas, but most of my clothes from there, while adorable, tend to fray, shrink and otherwise wilt after a few wearings. ModCloth-styling MeFi members: are there purchases you've made from ModCloth that have lasted? Specifics inside. [more inside]
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto
on Jan 7, 2014 -
12 answers

I've come into a bit of money and am ready to finally shell out for a nice weighted-key digital piano. I'm in the SF Bay area, have Amazon Prime, but don't know where I should go to try things out and buy them. I'm working with a $500-600 budget. My preferences are in the... [more inside]
posted by c'mon sea legs
on Jan 7, 2014 -
15 answers

I've had some trouble ordering silver-plate and hypoallergenic earring hooks from Amazon and I'm looking for better alternatives, both from an Amazon is Evil standpoint and from the standpoint of wanting to actually receive what I order. If you have a mail order or SF-Bay Area supplier for beading supplies, especially silver or silver plate, please help me with a referral. [more inside]
posted by kalessin
on Jan 7, 2014 -
14 answers

I'd like a thin and light 1080p laptop. It does not need to be powerful, but it does need to be cheap. I'd like to spend about $300, but it must be under $500. The perfect machine would be something like a chromebook, but with a higher res screen than the ones I'm aware of. The resolution requirement trumps the thin and light requirements. [more inside]
posted by jsturgill
on Jan 7, 2014 -
15 answers

Misterben is seeking good-quality warm men's pajamas. LL Bean is excluded since the quality has dropped in recent years. Pants only or a set are OK. Flannel is preferable, although fleece will also be considered. The price should be approximately under $50 USD. Finally, they must not be made in China or from a brand that is known to use sweatshops. He loves US-made brands but we know that is hard to find at this price point.
posted by matildaben
on Dec 27, 2013 -
6 answers

Help! My lovely girlfriend is blessed with sexy curves. I want to buy her either a particular dress or a particular skirt, in a surprise gift sorta way. But the sizes don't really match. And I am confused. [more inside]
posted by paultopia
on Dec 20, 2013 -
28 answers

I've been looking at some toys for the kids for Christmas and this site, http://www.unopenedsavings.com keeps coming up with prices way cheaper then a lot of other online retailers. However, I've never heard of it and the site itself seems a little "scammy". Any thoughts? Thanks
posted by senseofsurreal
on Dec 19, 2013 -
7 answers

For the past year or so I've been daydreaming about buying a classic leather motorcycle jacket, like this or this. Tragically, though, I cannot afford to spend $700. My budget is more like $200. Can you help me fake it? [more inside]
posted by pretentious illiterate
on Dec 17, 2013 -
9 answers

My mom is so hard to shop for: she doesn't really have any interests, she doesn't really do anything, she doesn't appreciate nice things, and she is very set in her ways. Past years' presents have fallen pretty flat. Help? [more inside]
posted by rabbitrabbit
on Dec 17, 2013 -
45 answers

You are an average-sized woman with a disproportionately large chest. You have great bras. You look fabulous in your tops, which magically do not pull, gape, make you look skanky or fit like a giant bag. How did you learn how to dress yourself in a way that flatters you, and where are you shopping for clothes that have a chance of fitting without tailoring? [more inside]
posted by charmedimsure
on Dec 16, 2013 -
21 answers

I really like holiday gift guides, which combine the illusion of thoughtful shopping with the ruthless efficiency of the internet. It's easy to find guides from popular websites and publications, but surely there are more and weirder out there on the web. What is your favorite 2013 gift guide? What are the most interesting gift guides from blogs and niche publications? [more inside]
posted by ecmendenhall
on Dec 10, 2013 -
9 answers

From a previous AskMefi post dated 2006, I've re-discovered Newegg, Slick Deals, Hot Deals, Woot, Tech Bargains, and Spendfish. It's been almost 8 years since the post, though, so I'm sure I'm out of the loop. Google is great for aggregating these sites, but I'm not sure about their quality (i.e. deal-awesomeness) from a simple search. Can you tell me what I'm missing? Thanks in advance!!
posted by onecircleaday
on Dec 8, 2013 -
13 answers

I'm looking for this dress, because it screams out to me and encapsulates my personality. My issue is that I have no idea how to find it or something similar....
posted by squirbel
on Dec 4, 2013 -
12 answers

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